Research Shows That Household Chores Benefit Children’s Executive Function

A study published in the Australian Occupational Therapy journal found that doing certain household chores, like making a meal for oneself or a family member, can help improve important thinking skills in children.

These skills, called executive functions, include working memory (remembering and using information) and inhibition (controlling impulses). These are important for a child’s learning, problem-solving, and self-control.

Even when factors like age, gender, and disabilities were considered, self-care and family-care chores still had a positive effect. However, chores related to taking care of pets did not show the same benefits for executive function skills.

This research is important because executive functions can influence a child’s success at school and in their daily lives. Since household chores are an easy way for children to practice these skills, parents may consider encouraging more chore participation.

Understanding the Research 

This study surveyed parents to understand how household chores relate to children’s executive function skills. Researchers collected data from 207 parents of kids aged 5 to 13 using an online survey.

The survey included questions about the child’s chores, executive function skills, and pet care responsibilities. Since data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents also reported if their child’s chore habits had changed during that time.

To measure executive function, researchers used a questionnaire called the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), which looks at working memory and self-control. Another tool, the CHORES questionnaire, asked parents about their child’s involvement in self-care and family-care tasks.

In families with pets, extra questions were included about pet-related chores, like feeding or grooming.

These were the specific findings:

• Children who do more household chores may have better executive functioning skills, including working memory and the ability to control impulses (inhibition).
• Self-care chores (like getting dressed or making the bed) and family-care chores (like setting the table or cleaning) were linked to better executive functioning.
• Pet-care chores (like feeding or playing with a pet) did not show a connection to executive functioning.
• Cooking and gardening programs may have benefits beyond teamwork and confidence. They improve executive functioning skills.
• Parents can support their child’s cognitive development by encouraging age-appropriate chore participation.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers 

Here are 3 ways we can encourage chore participation in a way that benefits our children’s executive functioning:

Make chores part of their daily routine

Children thrive on consistency, and incorporating chores into their daily schedule can make them feel like a natural part of life rather than a burden. For example, have a set time for chores, such as:

• Morning routine - Make the bed right after waking up and put pajamas in the laundry basket before getting dressed.
• Afternoon cleanup - Tidy up toys, books, or art supplies before starting a new activity.
• Weekend responsibilities - Water plants every Saturday morning or help take out the trash. 

If your child finds it difficult to remember their tasks, using a chore chart or checklist can help!

Assign tasks that match their abilities

Children are more likely to participate in chores if they feel capable of doing them. For instance, a 5-year-old can put away toys and set napkins on the table, while a 10-year-old can help with meal prep.

Even better, turn these chores into a “game” or “challenge.” Use a timer and see if your child can beat their record for putting away clothes. You can also play music and dance while sweeping the floor.

Use positive reinforcement and natural consequences

Instead of nagging or bribing, use positive reinforcement to help them stay responsible. Compliment their hard work with these statements:

• Wow, the living room looks great after you cleaned up!
• Thank you for helping with dinner. It made cooking so much easier.
• You did such a great job organizing your toys.
• Great job making your bed this morning. Doesn’t it feel nice to start the day with a tidy room?

At the same time, let natural consequences teach them responsibility. If they forget to put their shoes away, they might have trouble finding them the next morning. If they don’t help with dinner, they may have to wait longer to eat.

The researchers suggest that household chores and programs like cooking may help improve children’s executive functioning, but future studies should explore whether chores directly enhance these skills.

If you’re looking for more ways to support your child’s cognitive and character development, check out our Growth Mindset Posters and Character Education Posters!